Deadline reports that Jackson is negotiating to take the helm on the two-part prequel, while he removes himself from previous commitments (Jackson co-directed the upcoming The Adventures of Tintin with Steven Spielberg and was likely tied to a sequel, as well). The report continues that Jackson, along with co-screenwriters Fran Walsh and Philippa Boyens, have scheduled trips to London and Los Angeles to work on casting the project, further deepening Jackson's commitment to direct.